Telstra is installing 577 new mobile base stations across rural and regional Australia under the Mobile Black Spot Program, representing more than $486 million worth of co-investment between Telstra, the federal and state governments as well as numerous local councils to improve mobile coverage along major regional transport routes, in small communities and in locations prone to natural disasters.

Telstra area general manager Darren Clark said Telstra had reached a major milestone in its commitment to expand mobile technology under the MBSP with 100 new mobile base stations now online across the nation, including 24 in Queensland.

“Telstra is a proud long-time member, service provider and employer in the Queensland community, and we know that increased coverage is the number one priority for people and businesses in regional Australia,“ Mr Clark said.

“We have already delivered more than 50,000 square kilometres of new or improved coverage nationally under the Mobile Black Spot Program.

“Thousands of people in rural and regional areas across the state and the nation can now talk with loved ones and access Telstra’s 4GX, which brings you the fastest 4G speeds on your 4GX device in Australia.

“We are also rolling out up to 250 innovative 4G small cells to other communities to ensure more of our regional areas can access fast mobile broadband.

“Fast connectivity is becoming increasingly important for key regional sectors like agriculture, transport, mining and tourism and that’s what the improved coverage delivers.”

Mr Clark said there was expected to be more than 200 new mobile base stations nationally before the end of the year.

Queensland sites are expected to make up a large portion of our ramped up rollout this year,” he said.

“The success of the MBSP demonstrates that the current regulatory settings combined with public and private co-investment is the most effective way to expand mobile coverage in regional Australia.

“The MBSP is encouraging providers to build mobile infrastructure in remote parts of Australia that all carriers can use to provide services to their customers if they choose to invest – and that is a great outcome for people living and working in these communities.”